The Italian Embassy in Islamabad has warned Pakistani students against submitting fake or suspicious documents with their study visa applications.
In a message posted on X, the embassy said it had observed an “unprecedented increase” in the submission of fraudulent and dubious documents with study visa applications.
The embassy urged students to avoid such practices, warning that submitting fake documents could lead to the immediate rejection of a visa application and negatively affect their chances of obtaining a visa in the future.
Students applying for an Italian study visa are required to submit academic certificates and other supporting documents, which are verified as part of the visa process.
The embassy has also issued detailed guidance on its official website to make the visa application process more transparent and discourage applicants from relying on fraudulent agents.
BLS visa application centres
Short-stay Schengen, family reunification and work visa applications for Italy in Pakistan are submitted through BLS visa application centres located in Islamabad, Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad.
Applicants must book appointments through the official Italy visa website. Due to high demand for family reunification and work visas, a waiting list is currently in place. The embassy has said that everyone on the waiting list will eventually receive an appointment.
Procedure for EU and Italian citizens’ family members
Applicants seeking a family reunification visa to join an Italian or European Union citizen follow a different procedure. They can request an appointment directly from the Italian Embassy.
They are also required to send a PEC to the embassy. Details of the required documents are available on the official website of the Italian Embassy in Islamabad.
Study visa applicants
Students wishing to study at an Italian university must first complete their pre-enrolment through the Universitaly portal.
Once the pre-enrolment is verified, BLS will contact the student directly to arrange a visa appointment.
Students have been advised not to book study visa appointments themselves in the same way as regular Schengen or work visa applicants.